A Community Development District (CDD) originally spanning more than 583 acres is set to be reduced by just over 51 acres as Winter Haven city officials review an ordinance to contract its boundaries—a move driven by changes in development plans rather than residential expansion.
At their meeting on Monday, Jan. 26, the Winter Haven City Commission held a first reading of an ordinance that would reduce the boundaries of the VillaMar Community Development District.
Established on Nov. 26, 2018, the VillaMar CDD is located north and south of Cunningham Road, west of Lake Cunningham, and south of Grassy Lake. The district currently encompasses 583.79 acres and includes seven platted phases totaling 2,002 residential lots.
The area proposed for removal consists of approximately 51.62 acres located north and south of Thompson Nursery Road and southeast of Grassy Lake. This portion of land was originally planned as Phase 8 of the VillaMar Subdivision. If approved, the change would reduce the total size of the CDD to 532.17 acres.
According to City of Winter Haven Director of Public Affairs and Communication Katrina Hill, the proposed contraction is the result of a shift in development strategy. She explained that the developer is choosing to construct fewer homes within the district and has recently changed the land use designation of the removed area from residential to commercial.
The revised plan would allow for supporting commercial development, such as a small retail store or gas station, rather than additional housing. As a result, the acreage is no longer needed within the residential-focused Community Development District.
Hill noted that viewing the CDD contraction alongside broader discussions of population growth and housing demand can appear contradictory. From a planning perspective, she said, the underlying story is the decision to scale back the size of the CDD and reduce residential buildout.
The change, she added, may reflect shifting market conditions and a potential softening in demand for new housing in the area, prompting developers to adjust plans accordingly.
VillaMar remains a large master-planned community in southeast Winter Haven, developed by D.R. Horton, Highland Homes, and Ryan Homes, with a mix of residential neighborhoods and amenities.
No vote was taken on the ordinance, as it was presented for first reading only. City Commissioners are scheduled to consider final approval at their next meeting on Monday, Feb. 9, at 6 p.m. at Winter Haven City Hall.
